Saturday event raises funds for new York Area Regional Police K-9

People gather for dinner in Red Lion to support York Area Regional Police. Photo by Rebecca LeFever

After nearly seven years on the police force, Brando is retiring.

The Hungarian-born K-9 is starting to feel the daily vigorous activity his job demands, said Tiffany Ayres, hospital administrator for Patton Veterinary Hospital. The hospital hosts several community events each year and decided that helping York Area Regional Police raise money for a new K-9 should be included.

Trading cards featuring Officer Michael Sampere and Brando were given out at Saturday’s dinner.

Ayres said the vet hospital has taken care of Brando since he started on the force. After a dinner at the Red Lion Elks Club, 323 W. Broadway, Red Lion, Ayres estimated they would have raised more than $9,000 to go toward the $13,000 required to purchase and train a new K-9.

Officer Michael Sampere, Brando’s handler, said Brando will spend the rest of his days retired at home, with Sampere’s family.

“It’s a bittersweet moment,” Sampere previously said of Brando’s retirement. “Having worked all these years with Brando and doing so many things together, it’s tough to watch him slow down.

Sampere said he’s happy that Brando will remain a member of his family and he wants to give Brando the chance to enjoy some relaxation instead of running him into the ground.

“. . .The lifestyle and constant hours of work take a toll on their bodies very quickly,” Sampere said. “. . .Brando loves to work and I’m sure it’s going to drive him crazy knowing I’m leaving and he won’t be able to go with me.”

In addition to the money from the vet hospital, the Red Lion American Legion donated $5,000 and Sampere received a hefty donation at the Celtic Classic dog show earlier this week.

For more information, contact Officer Michael Sampere at 717-741-1259, ext. 474, or at msampere@yapd.org.

About Rebecca Hanlon

Rebecca Hanlon is the health reporter with a religion sub beat at the York Daily Record/Sunday News. Follow her on Twitter @mrsbeccahanlon or on Facebook at facebook.com/byrebeccahanlon.

Welcome to the Complaint Dept.

Have a pet peeve about your community? A quality of life issue that's driving you nuts? Terrible roads? Nasty potholes? Crime problems? Improve York County by flagging problems for us to investigate and help resolve. We can't promise your problem will be fixed, but we can shine a light make to sure local officials are aware of it.